A new literary festival in Perth was recently announced, set to take place in the northern suburb of Joondalup on October 19. Headlined by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the festival aims to celebrate commercially successful genre fiction rather than the more traditional focus on literary fiction. The idea for the festival stemmed from a conversation between City of Joondalup events staffer and Perth author Tess Woods, who proposed the new festival concept. With the support from various organizations and authors, the event quickly gained momentum with major publishers flying in their bestselling authors to participate.
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, will be promoting her upcoming picture book at the festival, with copies available for sale ahead of its Christmastime release. Alongside her, bestselling authors such as Dervla McTiernan, Natasha Lester, Melina Marchetta, Tony Birch, and more will be participating in genre-based panels throughout the day. The festival aims to provide an opportunity for readers to escape into different worlds through popular fiction genres, offering a sense of balance and respite from the stresses of everyday life. By showcasing a diverse range of authors and genres, the event hopes to engage a wide audience and promote a love for reading.
The festival has garnered widespread support from both local organizations and authors, with the City of Joondalup, Peter Cowan Writers Centre, and Edith Cowan University campus all playing a role in the event’s success. Dymocks Joondalup and Dymocks Australia have also provided funding, allowing for the lineup of popular authors to be flown in for the festival. The focus on commercial genre fiction sets this event apart from traditional literary festivals, offering a unique platform for bestselling authors to connect with readers and fans in a vibrant and engaging setting.
Tess Woods, the director of the festival, emphasizes the importance of genre fiction in providing a much-needed escape and respite for readers. By immersing themselves in stories ranging from romance to crime to fantasy, readers can find solace and entertainment in the pages of a book. The festival’s lineup of authors, spanning various genres such as thrillers, historical fiction, and children’s books, aims to cater to a diverse audience and showcase the richness and depth of genre fiction. With a focus on character-driven, fast-paced narratives, the festival promises to be a celebration of storytelling and the power of fiction to uplift and inspire.
As the festival approaches, anticipation and excitement continue to build as readers and fans look forward to the opportunity to engage with their favorite authors and discover new voices in the world of genre fiction. With a strong lineup of bestselling authors, diverse panels, and engaging discussions, the festival promises to be a dynamic and enriching experience for all who attend. By shining a spotlight on commercially successful genre fiction, the event serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal and impact of storytelling in all its forms.Attendees can expect a day filled with literary delights, insightful conversations, and a celebration of the power of fiction to captivate, inspire, and transport readers to new worlds. The inaugural Perth literary festival promises to be a vibrant and inclusive event, showcasing the best of genre fiction and highlighting the diverse talents of authors who continue to enchant and entertain readers around the world.
